Once again, the men’s basketball team finds itself battling in another thrilling double overtime game. Spoiler alert: they won 119-114, besting the Adams State Grizzlies on Nov. 16.
Going into the game business junior Mason Gibson said the game plan was the same as it is for every game, and that is to just be themselves.
“The plan was to just be us, we have worked hard all off season and knew everything we had to do to win the game. So we just had to trust the process,” Gibson said.
The Grizzlies were the first to put numbers on the board with a layup from Cameron Kimble. The Mustangs answered back when Pierre Sanders, fifth year senior, grabbed a rebound and put it back up for two. The Grizzlies extended their lead with an eight-point run putting the score at 16-4. The Mustangs battled back, shortening the Grizzlies’ lead to 16-7.
The Grizzlies led through most of the first half until the Mustangs were able to tie the game 23-23 with 10 minutes left in the half.
The first period was a battle for which team was going to come out on top as it ended. The Mustangs were victorious in that battle ending the first 20 minutes on top with a score of 42-39.
Going into the second half, Gibson said the game plan was the same as the start of the game; to just be themselves and play the way they know how.
The second half of the game was similar to the first half, going back and forth with who was going to pull ahead and add another win to their record.
With 15 seconds left in the game, the Grizzlies were up 89-86. Jonathan Jackson, exercise physiology senior, knocked down a three to tie the game and send it into overtime.
When Jackson hit the three’ the Mustang fans went crazy, and Gibson said the team took that energy and used it to fuel their determination to win.
“When J.J. [Jonathon Jackson] hit the game-tying shot, I think it gave everyone more energy and everyone wanted to win the game even more after that,” Gibson said.
Overtime in college basketball consists of a five minute playing window.
The first overtime period was similar to the two halves of regulation, surprising no one. Both teams battled back and forth, with the period ending with a tie of 98-98.
In the second overtime period, the Grizzlies were the first to score on a free throw. The Mustangs were able to extend the lead after several three-pointers and jumpers to 113-106.
The final points to seal the win were two free throws by Sanders.
The Mustangs had a shooting percentage of 50% from the field goal and 55.6% from the three-point line, setting a school record for most threes made in a game including overtime. Free throws were where the Mustangs dominated, shooting 70.8% from the line.
While there were many moments in the game that set the tone, and could be considered the turning point, Gibson said that it was the three Jackson hits to tie the game.
“I think there were a lot of game changing moments, but I think the biggest one is definitely J.J. hitting the tying three pointer in the last couple of seconds,” Gibson said.
The team’s dedication to its mission of winning and playing how they know is shown in this game. Battling back and tying the game not only sending it to one overtime, but two, shows how bad the team wants to compete.
